dr. Gil Keppens

Bio

Gil Keppens is assistant professor in Learning Sciences at the Department of Sociology at Tilburg University. He obtained his master’s degree in sociology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium) and joined the TOR research group in September 2012 where he obtained his PhD in Sociology with a dissertation on school disengagement among youth with school attendance problems. Gil has been involved for more than 9 years in research on student learning, with a special focus on behavior problems such as school engagement, school dropout and school absenteeism. His main research interests include sociology of education, sociology of youth, and educational policy research with a focus on equity and diversity issues.

Courses

• Ma Sem. SOC: From Theory to Res. Fall
• Ma Sem. SOC: From Theory to Res. Spring
• Research Project PM Sociology Spring
• Sociology of Education

Collaboration

Gil is member of the Executive Committee of The International Network for School Attendance (www.INSA.network). He also leads the Scientific Committee. 

Recent publications

1. Embracing change - From recalibration to radical overhaul for the fie…

   Heyne, D., Gentle-Genitty, C., Melvin, G., Keppens, G., O'Toole, C., & McKay-Brown, L. (2024). Embracing change: From recalibration to radical overhaul for the field of school attendance. Frontiers in Education, 8, 1-15. Article 1251223.

2. First-generation college students’ motives to start university educat…

   Keppens, G., Boone, S., Consuegra, E., Laurijssen, I., Spruyt, B., & van Droogenbroeck, F. (2023). First-generation college students’ motives to start university education: An investment in self- development, one’s economic prospects or to become a role model? Young, 31(2), 142-160.

3. School absenteeism and academic achievement - Does the timing of the …

   Keppens, G. (2023). School absenteeism and academic achievement: Does the timing of the absence matter? Learning and Instruction, 86, Article 101769.

4. Socio-demographic profiles and academic outcomes for participants of …

   Keppens, G. (2023). Socio-demographic profiles and academic outcomes for participants of the ‘school strikers for climate’ in Belgium. Environmental Education Research. Advance online publication.

5. Who is absent from school when? An optimal matching analysis of withi…

   GIL, ANTOINE. KEPPENS. (2022). Who is absent from school when? An optimal matching analysis of within-year variation in the timing of school absences. Journal of School Psychology.